Sri Lanka: Bountiful Biodiversity and Tranquil Temples

Andy Shuman

Sri Lanka, a small island nation located off the southern coast of India, is a land of cultural wonders and natural beauty. Despite its small size, the island has the highest biodiversity density in Asia, making it one of the top biodiversity hot spots in the world.

Since the end of a bloody civil war in 2009, Sri Lanka has become one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, and a magnet for tourists from all over the globe. In 2014, Sri Lanka had over 1.5 million visitors.

Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, is a historic and bustling city with Dutch and British colonial architecture, Buddhist temples, insane traffic and vibrant street life. There’s plenty to see there, including the peaceful Gangaramaya Buddhist temple complex and the striking National Museum, built by the British governor 140 years ago. Beira Lake, located in the center of the city, features stunning views of the skyline and a small, restful island park.

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Outside the capital city lies the rest of Sri Lanka, with eight UNESCO World Heritage sites, dozens of temples and religious complexes, more than 20 national parks, five amazing botanical gardens, countless waterfalls and miles of beaches.

Colombo is the best starting point for any trip to Sri Lanka, and you can get there with miles. All major U.S.-based frequent flyer programs offer good availability in economy and business classes, particularly if you can be a little flexible with your travel dates.

Etihad Airways is not a oneworld member, but it is an American Airlines partner. It flies to Colombo via Abu Dhabi.

Tea fields in Sri Lanka

You’ll have to call American Airlines to book your flight, since you can’t search for the above partners on American’s website. American Airlines will frequently try to route award flights through London on its partner British Airways. You should try to find an alternative route on the first leg of your trip across the ocean to avoid British Airways’ very high fuel surcharges and fees.

Round-trip tickets from the U.S. to Colombo cost:

90,000 miles in economy

135,000 in business

180,000 in first

MileagePlus Miles and the Star Alliance

The Star Alliance offers the most options. The following Star Alliance members fly to Colombo:

Air China via Chengdu and, starting in October 2015, Beijing

Air India via Chennai and Delhi

Austrian Airlines via Vienna, starting in October 2015

Singapore Airlines via Singapore

Thai Airways via Bangkok

Turkish Airlines via Istanbul

A waterfall near Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

Round-trip tickets cost:

85,000 miles in economy

160,000 in business

280,000 in first

SkyMiles and the SkyTeam

The following SkyTeam members fly to Sri Lanka:

China Eastern Airlines via Kunming and Malé

Korean Air via Seoul and Malé

Saudia via Jeddah and Riyadh

Round-trip tickets cost:

80,000 miles in economy

140,000 in business

SkyMiles cannot be redeemed for first class awards.

Traditional Sri Lankan fisherman in the Indian ocean

Delta SkyMiles offers the best value for economy flights to Colombo, while American Airlines offers the best value for premium classes. However you get there, Sri Lanka’s cultural and natural wonders should not be missed.